Norwich City midfielder Jonny Howson has admitted that points on the board are all that matters as the Canaries look to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The Carrow Road outfit are four points above safety heading into their home game with Stoke City on Saturday.

Despite only claiming one victory in their last six matches, Howson feels that Norwich have been playing well of late but has stressed that good performances are not enough at this stage of the season.

"In the last few weeks, when I have been watching on, we have been playing good stuff, looking comfortable, but come the end we have lost the game and you are thinking 'how has that happened?'" Howson told reporters.

"It is maybe that know-how of winning ugly - sometimes the top teams do that, they don't play great, but seem to come away with the win and that is what we maybe need to improve. Some of the performances recently have been very good, it is just what matters most, stopping them scoring.

"You would take playing 10 terrible games, but getting enough points to see you safe. It is a case of getting the points, however it comes. There will be no point us sat here at the end of the season, saying 'we played great in those final 10 games', but came away with no points. You ask any player what would they choose - three points or a good performance? I know which one the majority would take."

Howson has scored two goals in 17 Premier League appearances for Chris Hughton's side this campaign.